Econa is the global center of excellence for entrepreneur mental wellness. Learn more about our programs and our partnerships with accelerators, investment funds, and founder networks at www.econa.net.
An entrepreneurial mindset is the foundation for thriving and excelling as a founder. In this interactive program you will gain training in skills you may deploy to achieve and maintain a clear and focused mind, and the ability to respond with flexibility in uncertain times. Participate in reflection exercises to discover how to build three foundational thriving mindset competencies; control, connection, and mastery. Learn how to draw upon this mindset to implement the leadership model that is most useful for unpredictable times of high complexity, how to accept what cannot be changed while changing that which can, and how to prioritize in the face of competing and changing demands. With these tools, this workshop reviews how entrepreneurs can build community for the whole team to thrive together while using periods of disruption to increasing business efficiency and innovation.
About Econa
Ten years ago, the mental wellbeing of entrepreneurs was rarely discussed. As a fourth-generation entrepreneur, clinical professor of psychiatry at UCSF, and practicing psychiatrist and executive coach for entrepreneurs, Econa founder Dr. Michael Freeman saw the crucial need to change that. Every day, founders brought him stories of stress, burnout, depression, ADHD, bipolar, substance use, co-founder conflicts, and emotional leadership challenges. After learning about the suicides of prominent entrepreneurs like Aaron Schwartz and Kate Spade, he was inspired to create Econa.
Today, Econa is emerging as a global center of excellence for entrepreneur mental wellness. We offer evidence-based workshops and peer support groups, we co-create programs with founder communities globally, and we support academic research on entrepreneur-centric mental wellness solutions. Our groundbreaking researchers, clinician-entrepreneurs, facilitators, founders, investors, and operators help entrepreneurs optimize their life and business outcomes.
Kerry Makin-Byrd, Ph.D
Dr. Kerry Makin-Byrd is a fourth-generation business owner. As a psychologist, she helps entrepreneurs and professionals create deep, meaningful lives by applying expertise in evidence-based therapy and coaching to foster resilience, mindfulness, and purpose-driven work. Dr. Makin-Byrd received her Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University, and subsequently received advanced training at the University of California San Francisco and Stanford University. She has held professional appointments at the National Center for PTSD and at New York University. She has served as a researcher and national subject matter expert on trauma and PTSD, and has authored over 30 peer-reviewed studies, Congressional reports, and clinical chapters on trauma and resilience. She received the Special Contribution Award from the Veterans Health Administration in recognition of the national impact of her policy contributions and clinical teaching on VA mental health services. After a decade in academia and government, she followed her entrepreneurial dream (and heritage) to establish her own business. She now enjoys building out her vision and the long hours that rarely feel like work. Kerry is a founding board member of the Kids Compassion Project, volunteers with community service organizations, and enjoys hiking with her husband and daughter.
Thriving through uncertainty and complexity: control, connection and mastery (May 19, 2021)